Welcome toGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport

Every Friday morning, high school senior David Burca steps into George Bush Intercontinental Airport with one mission: to help.“My name is David Burca, and I’m a Volunteer Ambassador at George Bush Intercontinental Airport,” David said. “I started this journey in October 2024, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”David is a senior at Guy M. Sconzo Early College High School, where students are encouraged to serve their communities through the Sconzo Service-Learning Program. Each Friday, students volunteer at hospitals, schools, and nature preserves in the Humble and Kingwood areas.David chose the airport.“I’ve always loved airports,” he said. “There’s just something about the energy when you’re traveling or picking up family. I visited the Houston Airports website, Fly2Houston.com and learned about the Volunteer Ambassador program. I decided to reach out.”He contacted Ella Ghica, manager of outreach initiatives and volunteer programs for Houston Airports. She introduced him to the program, gave him a tour of the terminal, and helped him start his service at the busy Terminal A information booth.RELATED | Learn how to volunteer at Houston's airports“Fridays are hectic—but I love that,” David said. “The airport is always moving. There’s always something to learn. Every week, I leave knowing something new.”David volunteers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., assisting passengers with directions, answering questions, and helping ease travel stress.“There have been moments when people didn’t speak English or were in a rush or frustrated,” he said. “But I just listen, stay calm, and do what I can to help. Seeing someone smile after I’ve helped them—it’s the best part of the day.”David credits much of his growth to the mentors he met through the program.“Mr. Jim G., Mr. Ciro R., Ms. Pat Y., Mr. Rick—thank you for everything,” he said. “You’ve shared your knowledge, your time, and your love for the passengers. I admire all of you so much.”David will continue volunteering through the end of the school year before heading to Texas A&M University in the fall.“I’m grateful to Houston Airports for this opportunity,” he said. “Being a Volunteer Ambassador has taught me about patience, communication and customer service. But more than that, it’s taught me to see people—to really look up and notice the people around me.”And his message to anyone considering the program?“Go for it,” David said. “You’ll be joining something really special.”

Houston’s two major airports just wrapped up a Spring Break travel period marked by record-setting passenger numbers, operational success and the debut of a new terminal space designed to ease the journey for millions of travelers.RELATED | Houston Airports ready for millions of travelers in first major travel rush of 2025Preliminary data provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) show that Sunday, March 9, was one of the busiest days on record at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), with TSA throughput ranking as the fourth-highest single-day total in airport history. The combined passenger count on March 9 across Bush and Hobby airports surpassed last year’s Spring Break peak by more than 1,100 originating and departing passengers.In total, more than 2.3 million travelers passed through Houston’s airports during the 12-day period from March 6 to March 17, reflecting a 6% increase at Bush Airport compared with the same period last year.The airport system’s aviation director credits careful planning and recent infrastructure investments with helping manage the growing demand. That includes the new Terminal E Ticketing Lobby at Bush Airport, which opened in February, ahead of the Spring Break rush. The expansive, modern facility offers passengers additional space, new technology and improved check-in efficiency during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.“These numbers not only highlight the growing demand for air travel in Houston but also the city's increasing appeal as a destination during key travel seasons,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “Our team worked around the clock to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for passengers, from curb to gate.”This year’s surge was driven by both outbound leisure travel and an influx of visitors headed to major events in the region, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Houston’s airports also serve as popular gateways for cruise passengers and travelers heading to the Texas Gulf Coast.While TSA throughput data captures only departing passengers who need to clear TSA screening, total passenger counts—including arriving and connecting passengers—will be finalized in mid-April when airlines submit their Spring Break enplanement figures.Even without the full data set, Szczesniak believes early signs point to continued momentum for Houston’s aviation footprint.“Hitting record throughput while maintaining our service standards is no small feat,” Szczesniak said. “It reflects the strength of Houston’s position as a global gateway and the dedication of our employees.”

Travelers arriving in Houston now have a new reason to linger a little longer in the terminal—especially if they’re craving a snack, forgot a charger or want to grab a last-minute souvenir.Houston Airports concessions contractor Paradies Lagardère has opened H-Town, a new convenience store located on the Arrivals level of the recently unveiled Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The locally inspired retail space features Houston and Texas-themed souvenirs, cold beverages, travel accessories and grab-and-go snacks—serving as both a welcome mat and a one-stop shop for arriving passengers.Situated just outside the secured area, H-Town is perfectly positioned for travelers exiting customs or baggage claim and heading toward the Terminal E Arrivals curb. The store’s merchandise ranges from Texas-shaped cutting boards and Astros caps to key chains, books, magazines, activity books and neck pillows—offering a mix of hometown pride and practical travel gear.For passengers landing late at night or after a long-haul international flight, H-Town offers an extra perk: 24/7 refrigerated coolers outside the storefront. Even if the store itself is closed, travelers can still access cold drinks and snacks—an added convenience for those arriving after delays or outside typical shopping hours.“This is exactly the kind of elevated experience we want our passengers to have,” said Libby Hurley, director of concessions for Houston Airports. “H-Town is another example of how we’re reimagining the journey—offering retail and dining options that reflect Houston’s character and meet travelers’ needs right when and where they need it most.”The store is part of a broader effort to enhance the passenger experience throughout the new IAH International Terminal, where expanded amenities, upgraded wayfinding, fresh food and retail offerings are helping redefine the airport’s reputation as a world-class gateway.As Houston continues to welcome record-breaking passenger volumes, airport officials say investments in thoughtfully curated retail—especially in high-traffic areas like Terminal E Arrivals—are key to making travel more convenient, comfortable and connected to the city itself.RELATED | Houston Airports unveils dynamic dining, retail at IAH Terminal DRELATED | Fuel up before you fly: New dining options arrive at Hobby Airport